TIFFANY: Jack’s Audi TT Quattro

It feels somewhat strange to be writing a feature article about my own car, even somewhat biased, but I guess nobody knows and understands the love that’s gone into this car quite as much as I do. This TT was a long time coming; my love for the Audi TT started when I was just a kid playing Need for Speed Underground 2. Amongst the plethora of JDM vehicles in the game, the TT (unlocked in the late stages of career mode) was a car that always appealed to me, and it soon became my childhood dream car, and I remember annoying the living shit out of my parents every time I saw one driving around the streets. The curvaceous body, the surprisingly sporty yet luxurious interior, the ‘bubble-butt’ rear end, and the general stance the car has on the road has always drawn me to this little 225hp 1.8L turbo which packed a surprising punch upon first driving it. I made a personal pact to myself that I would one day own one of these cars; and almost 12 years after first driving one in a video game, I now find myself sitting in one that I can call my very own.

I transitioned this car from my notoriously-underpowered, FWD Mitsubishi FTO, so perhaps that explains why I literally squealed with excitement upon taking the TT out for the first time. This 1999 Quattro model runs a 225hp 1.8L turbo engine; the motor commonly shared with the MK4 Volkswagen Golf. Admittedly; this is the first turbo vehicle I’ve owned, and I love every minute that I spend in it. It feels as if I’ll never tire of hearing the satisfying sound of a blow-off valve; although I’m afraid the turbo bug has already caught me, and I’ll soon be placing some rather “excessive” orders to feed my new addiction. Performance-wise; the TT currently has very little modifications, but there are very strong intentions, as mentioned previously, to enhance the already impressive performance.

This particular TT was an interstate purchase. It was purchased from Melbourne in mid-2016, and was shipped back to Adelaide where it underwent a rather drastic transformation. Upon arrival, the car was silver. As you can see… Well, it’s not really silver anymore. The car went into hiding for several months as it underwent quite an extensive operation; only to be unveiled at the ‘SEPTTEMBER’ Slow Life event on the 17th!

The car was vinyl-wrapped in Hexis Tiffany Blue by no other than the local Dizzi Decalz. This was Spyro’s first full vehicle wrap (he’s done just about everything else) and I’m confident in saying that he absolutely nailed it. It took many hours, and I’m sure the curves of the car didn’t make it any easier. Spyro also assisted me with applying a light tint to the tail-lights and printed off a range of holographic stickers to promote Slow Life, its friends, and those who helped with the car along the way. If you’re looking for any vinyl application, look no further than Dizzi Decalz, because this wrap pretty much made me weep in awe of the little blue bubble sitting in front of me. Why tiffany blue, though? Throughout my years of owning and driving many cars, I had always wanted a car in my favourite colour – tiffany blue. There’s just something about it – it’s not mint green, but it’s not baby blue either. I decided that I’d stop procrastinating about it, and make it happen. It was possibly the most financially impulsive, yet satisfying decision of my life.

The car’s stance is produced by a set of D2 coilovers and a set of Varrstoen ES7s of which undertook a transformation of their own. Initially having gunmetal centres; the wheels were acid dipped, sanded, (extensively) polished and cleared to give the deepest possible gloss to complement the tiffany blue. It’s a staggered set – with 19X9.5 on the front, and 19X11 on the rear. Other visual modifications on the vehicle include a honeycomb front grille and a rubber front lip. Interior-wise, the car’s in factory condition, but with the less common red interior. The BOSE stereo system sounds incredible for a seventeen-year-old system.

I’ve saved something particularly important for the final words of this article. Throughout the entire period of purchasing, modifying and preparing this vehicle, I had a lot of help. Friends, family, and the Slow Life team were always there to help out with everything from ensuring the car was safely transported to Adelaide, and the storage of the vehicle for the past few months. However, I can’t thank Jordan and Sam from Partners in Grime enough for going above and beyond to ensure that this car was the best goddamn TT it could be. From day one, they looked after the TT at their premises and assisted in clay-barring the paint and ensuring complete perfection prior to the vinyl wrap.

Once the car was wrapped, the car was ceramic coated with the incredible Gtechniq Crystal Serum – not only does it greatly reduce surface hazing and improves gloss; it’s resistant to chemicals from ph2 to ph13, is unaffected by extreme heat changes (even from -40 to +250 degrees Celsius) and offers exceptional UV protection. Yes, I had a vinyl wrap ceramic coated. Why? Because it’ll extensively prolong the condition and life of the vinyl, so I won’t be annoying Dizzi Decals with any maintenance anytime soon. The wheels were also coated in Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour; a unique chemical bond making the Varrstoens dirt and brake dust repellent, as well as being much easier to clean. So basically, the car’s got only the best protection from the harsh Adelaide weather conditions.

I mean it when I say that this car would not be anywhere near as beautiful as it is now without Jordan and Sam’s help. From storage of the vehicle, application of the Gtechniq products, assistance with the wheel polishing process and even copious and increasingly impulsive sushi train adventures; it’s safe to say that I’ve made the best of friends with two of the most kickass detailers ever to exist.

To all those who have helped along the way, I can’t thank you enough. From Stuart; who assisted in handling the vehicle’s transportation from Melbourne to Adelaide, to Ange; who shared her garage, her pizza and her wine with me. Ivana and Jack – thanks so much for helping me get the wheels to fit the f**king thing, and to the rest of the Slow Life team for coming together and helping make this little blue bubble a reality.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you the latest car to join the Slow Life garage (with the plate to match)…

Managing director of Slowlife and one of the original founding members.
Passionate about all things Slowlife, and has been one of the minds behind Slowlife's events and media since 2014.
Also owns a widebody tilty wheel car that struggles to get out of the driveway without scraping, and is often seen crying over doggo memes whilst on a caffeine binge.